Twitter is a site which caters to micro-blogging. Micro-blogging is very similar to a standard blog except on a much smaller level. It usually consists of a single sentence, photo or video posted. Topics can include a variety of different areas such as current events, sports, politics, business and events in their personal lives.
Twitter could be effectively used by educators and students if the proper structure is provided. The teacher would definitely have to think outside the box in order to use this in their classroom. Large group projects would be perfect for this...if they can find a way to make it work. For example, a former colleague created a CSI type of lesson where the students applied math and science to figure out what happened at a crime scene. Imagine if that class were able to collaborate with another class who was in the process of trying to solve the mystery via Twitter alone. The classes are dependent on each other, they would be forced to collaborate to solve the case. The teachers could remain in control of the Twitter and guide instruction. They could use projectors to leave the Twitter page displayed on a wall so everyone could see when new information comes in and be able to guide instruction accordingly.
In order to use Twitter on an individual basis, there would have to be an investment by the technology staff and the teacher to setup a safe environment for the kids to interact in. One of the easiest ways to effectively use Twitter would be either on a netbook (possibly with a touch sensitive display) or other such portable device which would be monitored and filtered by the district. The price of netbooks has dropped significantly to the point where a small number (4-8) can be purchased for a relatively low price ($1200-$2400) and be used in small group instruction. Cameras in these netbooks could be used to facilitate instruction through twitpic - but only if it can be monitored and regulated by the district. Old PDA's with Wifi capability filtered through the district's network would be possible as well. You could still see twitter, but probably not do anything else since they would be too slow to do anything else. The technology department would be able to block Twitter entirely and selectively unlock specific webpages associated with Twitter to enable the class to continue working. Either of these options allows the students to access Twitter and, with the help of the technology department, maintain proper filtering to remain compliant with CIPA guidelines.
Micro-Blogging &Twitter
Twitter is a site which caters to micro-blogging. Micro-blogging is very similar to a standard blog except on a much smaller level. It usually consists of a single sentence, photo or video posted. Topics can include a variety of different areas such as current events, sports, politics, business and events in their personal lives.
Twitter could be effectively used by educators and students if the proper structure is provided. The teacher would definitely have to think outside the box in order to use this in their classroom. Large group projects would be perfect for this...if they can find a way to make it work. For example, a former colleague created a CSI type of lesson where the students applied math and science to figure out what happened at a crime scene. Imagine if that class were able to collaborate with another class who was in the process of trying to solve the mystery via Twitter alone. The classes are dependent on each other, they would be forced to collaborate to solve the case. The teachers could remain in control of the Twitter and guide instruction. They could use projectors to leave the Twitter page displayed on a wall so everyone could see when new information comes in and be able to guide instruction accordingly.
In order to use Twitter on an individual basis, there would have to be an investment by the technology staff and the teacher to setup a safe environment for the kids to interact in. One of the easiest ways to effectively use Twitter would be either on a netbook (possibly with a touch sensitive display) or other such portable device which would be monitored and filtered by the district. The price of netbooks has dropped significantly to the point where a small number (4-8) can be purchased for a relatively low price ($1200-$2400) and be used in small group instruction. Cameras in these netbooks could be used to facilitate instruction through twitpic - but only if it can be monitored and regulated by the district. Old PDA's with Wifi capability filtered through the district's network would be possible as well. You could still see twitter, but probably not do anything else since they would be too slow to do anything else. The technology department would be able to block Twitter entirely and selectively unlock specific webpages associated with Twitter to enable the class to continue working. Either of these options allows the students to access Twitter and, with the help of the technology department, maintain proper filtering to remain compliant with CIPA guidelines.